The solemnity of the late Awujale of Ijebuland’s burial, scheduled for today, Sunday, July 20, is reportedly being overshadowed by a burgeoning “crowd renting” scandal allegedly involving Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun.
Sources close to the governor’s inner circle claim these actions are a desperate attempt to impress President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is expected to attend the funeral.
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Governor Abiodun allegedly instructed his lieutenants to mobilise individuals to attend the burial proceedings in Ijebu Ode, offering an alleged payment of ₦20,000 per head, a source within Ijebu Ode Local Government offered under conditions of anonymity. The goal, according to a senior civil servant involved in the provision of funds for the mobilisation, is to artificially inflate attendance figures, projecting an image of widespread local support for the governor.
This purported strategy is seen as a direct response to persistent whispers of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s diminishing popularity, particularly in the Ogun East senatorial district, where he reportedly suffered significant electoral losses in the last election.
By allegedly orchestrating a massive turnout at the Awujale’s funeral, the governor is believed to be attempting to mislead President Tinubu and falsely demonstrate a robust political base.
The area around the burial venue is already awash with numerous large banners of the governor welcoming Mr President, setting the stage for a grand event.
However, these emerging allegations cast a dark cloud over the authenticity of the anticipated crowds, raising serious questions about the true level of organic support for the state’s chief executive.
Efforts to obtain a comment from Governor Abiodun’s media team regarding these serious allegations were unsuccessful as of press time.
The controversy threatens to divert attention from the deeply significant cultural and spiritual event, turning what should be a dignified farewell into a political spectacle.
